Furthermore, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and a multidisciplinary approach for management of patients is a core theme.
Outline of the programme
The theoretical component of the programme is composed of weekly courses, lectures, tutorials and seminars, which includes reviews of the relevant literature as well as clinical treatment planning discussions. In addition, students receive clinical training focused on applying evidence-based treatment modalities for the management of oral problems in children referred by general dental practitioners and by other healthcare professionals. Besides differentiating between age-appropriate behaviour and developmental disturbances, the clinical training in paediatric dentistry also includes internships in centres for the treatment of patients with special needs, a children’s hospital, and several specialist dental care clinics. Research training relevant to paediatric dentistry is also an important part of the programme. At the end of the programme, the results of the individual research projects are submitted in a written report which is suitable for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. The final evaluation consists of a clinical case portfolio and the students undergo an examination/defence that determines their clinical competencies gained during the three years of training. The goal of the entire program is to prepare motivated dentists for a career in a multitude of areas related to paediatric dentistry, including clinical practice, teaching and research.
Every year, 3 to 5 postgraduate students are selected carefully for the 3 year full-time Paediatric Dentistry training programme.
Degree
All Oral Health Sciences students are conferred a joint master’s degree in Oral Health Sciences by both the University of Amsterdam and Vrij Universiteit Amsterdam, which specifies the chosen graduation profile. Additionally, Paediatric Dentistry graduates are eligible for 'specialist in paediatric dentistry' member status from the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) and will be recognized as a paediatric dentist by the Dutch Association of Paediatric Dentistry (NVvK).
Department of Paediatric Dentistry
The Department of Paediatric Dentistry at ACTA has been offering a postgraduate programme since 1999 and is accredited by the EAPD. Profile director Clarissa Calil Bonifácio is responsible for the content and organisation of the programme and she is supported by part-time specialists in Paediatric Dentistry at ACTA. Associate Professor Clarissa C. Bonifácio graduated as a dentist from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2012 she successfully defended her PhD at ACTA. In 2014 she completed her postgraduate course in Paediatric Dentistry and became a NVvK-recognised paediatric dentist.
